Lakewood Library update!

[Jeff Endress]

Shawn

The article in question was written so that you were left with the impression (clear from your post) that there is a huge impact on hours, wages, etc. This perception was then leveraged against the Gala to magnify the apparent insensitivity. The reporter was given detailed information, but chose not to use it, as the facts demonstrate the very limited impact of this whole event. Over the period in question, there will be less then 220 hours in lost work, spread over a staff of 90, over a period of 3 & 1/2 weeks. Those most greatly impacted are part time student pages (129 hours) Based on the hours that will be worked, wages earned, salaries paid, the actual reduction is somewhere in the neighborhood of 2% less then if nothing were happening.

If the PD had included those figures, it sure wouldn't have had the effect that they wanted and the end result would have been the conclusion that

this is nothing more than a grudge held by a small number of employees

.

So, Shawn, in answer to your question about whether

the sides would be the same the same if this situation occurred for employees of the Hospital or NY Life during a relocation.

, I guess, given the scope of the actual impact, the answer would be yes.

Hope that helps clear up real extent of this "issue".

Jeff

[Kenneth Warren]

Mr. Bobik:

In the 80s, when Lakewood Public Library first sought to automate its operations with an integrated library system, functional requirements were outlined in an RFP issued to vendors that included Cleveland Public Library, the sponsor for Clevenet. CPL declined to respond to LPL’s RFP. That’s one fundamental reason why LPL is not a member of Clevenet.

Dr. Gaines, a former director of CPL, was quite brilliant in his persuasive powers that at the dawn of library automation convinced inner ring eastside and some distant regional libraries to pony up for Clevenet. But he did not deem it worth responding to LPL with an RFP.

Several years ago, when another generation of integrated library systems was implemented, I worked with Rocky River and Westlake to obtain a considerable discount through group purchase. We selected a system vendor that Clevenet was using. In selecting from the same system vendor, the intention was, of course, connectivity and inter-operability between systems. And I remain open to such prospect at a price that makes sense for the transactional volume and impact on LPL.

Most recently, discussion is emerging about the use of open source systems among some Ohio libraries. I will evaluate with my staff the costs and benefits should these surface.

The bottom-line from the 80s to the present is the portability of a library’s bibliographic database, that is to say, having easy and timely access to a system that allows for the cost-effective extraction of the library’s database. Otherwise an institution can be held hostage to escalating cost structures and technological binds.

At the time LPL was first automating, CPL could not provide cost and time information for such a service. That was a huge caveat. Although I have not probed the current cost/benefit perspective from colleagues who are members of Clevenet, I do know that from time to time over the years members of Clevenet have contemplated breaking free from the network, either due to costs, changes in technology and service limitations.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

[Robert Bobik]

Mr. Warren:
Mr Gaines' term as director ended in 1985. http://cpl.org/main-library-history.asp. I don't think a slight from 22 years ago should even enter this conversation. Clevnet has gained several members in the past decade, losing one, CH-UH Schools.

I assume the intergrated library systems refered to is from Sirsi. Workflows to staff. I can not comment on comparisons between a vendor supported system and an open source system. From my experience, costs would seem to balance out. Libraries are already held hostage escalating cost structures and technological binds, no escaping that in today's world.

I think you mentioned Mr. Wood from CH-UH in a previous post. I wonder what his opinion of this would be?

Thank you for responding, seems like you don't mind sticking to the point being discussed and leaving personal attacks out. Nice to see.
Thanks again, Robert

[David Anderson]

Dan, Jeff and Bill -

Thanks for the correction/clarification. I'm glad I asked and happy to be set straight.

Later.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Sometimes people come onto forums like this and make statements just to get everyone all excited. I see that is not the case. Sorry.

Free and open board.

We have had our share of trolls, but at least they are trolls willing to put their name on their trolling.

This is indeed a very serious topic with Ian, Robert, Shawn, Ken Jeff and others. I do know that the Lakewood Library board and Ken are very happy to clear the air on this and any other topic.

All conversations are good, even the bad ones.

.

[c. dawson]

Mr. Warren,

Thanks for the answer regarding Clevenet! I suspected as much behind the reasoning, but I do hope that someday Lakewood is involved to a degree, because it is wonderful to be able to have the collection augmented by all those other libraries, and for a patron to desire nearly any book ... and be able to get it. And to be honest, while I don't know about the software underlying the catalog system used by CPL and the Clevenet libraries, it is remarkably user friendly and easy to navigate and has some excellent features that benefit patrons.

Can I also ask why the library sticks to a two-week checkout period as opposed to a three-week period like some other area libraries do? I like to think I'm a voracious reader ... but unfortunately yard work, house renovations, and other things keep me away from books, so I often can't finish a book within that period. Online renewals do help, but it just seems starting with three weeks would be a benefit.

Thanks again,

Chris

[Kenneth Warren]

Mr. Dawson:

Loan Period

Lakewood Public Library established a single two week loan period and uniform fines for all media as a result of recommendations from a Citizens’ Committee and Survey for simplification of loan periods, which at one time spanned one, two and three weeks.

While I realize the two week period can turn quickly, I hope renewals by phone, computer or in-person provide a small measure of extension, while keeping things simple for all borrowers of mixed media. Given the mix of materials borrowed, two weeks has been provided consistency, simplicity and a satisfactory turn-over rate for all materials.

Clevenet

From time to time, over the past two years I have mentioned to Mr. Venable, the director of CPL, Lakewood’s interest in exploring options for a limited Clevenet relationship.

Such a program may not be a priority for CPL, acceptable to members or offered at a cost that can be justified. I will call Mr. Venable again.

Thank you again for your interest.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

[Colleen Wing]

Where is the Cuyahoga County system ranked right now?

I thought I read it was ranked #1 as well.

[Jeff Endress]

Colleen

You are correct. The Cuyahoga County Library was #1 in its class (Pop. 500,000 or above) with a score of 861.

Lakewood Public Library was first in its class (pop. 50,000 - 99,000) with a rating of 956.

The Lakewood rating was also the highest rating for ALL libraries, Regardless of size.

Jeff